February 2013

Table of Contents
I.
II.
III.

INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 1
GENERAL PARKING PROVISIONS .......................................................................... 2
PARKING DESIGN.................................................................................................... 3
A. Parking Plan Requirements .......................................................................... 3
B. General Parking Guidelines ......................................................................... 3
1. Location .................................................................................................. 3
2. Setbacks ................................................................................................. 6
3. Access ..................................................................................................... 6
4. Circulation .............................................................................................. 6
5. Sight Distance ........................................................................................ 6
6. Pedestrian Access ................................................................................. 7
7. Accessible Parking Regulations .......................................................... 7
C. Parking Standards.......................................................................................... 9
1. Parking Space Dimensions ................................................................... 9
2. Parking Aisles ........................................................................................ 10
3. Access Driveways................................................................................ 14
4. Slope / Grade ...................................................................................... 14
5. Parking Details ..................................................................................... 16
a. Surfacing ...................................................................................... 16
b. Wheel Stops / Curbs ................................................................... 17
c. Striping .......................................................................................... 18
d. Walls and Fences ........................................................................ 18
e. Directional Indicators ................................................................. 19
f.
Bicycle Parking ............................................................................ 19
g. Compact Vehicle Parking ......................................................... 20
h. Tandem Parking .......................................................................... 20
i.
Clean Air Vehicle Parking .......................................................... 21
j.
Oversized Vehicle Parking ......................................................... 21
k. Tractor Trailer Parking ................................................................. 22
l.
Identification of Spaces ............................................................. 22
6. Lighting.................................................................................................. 22
7. Landscaping ........................................................................................ 23
8. Stormwater Runoff Treatment ........................................................... 27

Table of Contents

County of San Diego

IV.

D. Residential Parking for Detached Single Family, Duplexes, and

Triplexes ................................................................................................................. 30
PARKING ALTERNATIVES ...................................................................................... 34

List of Tables
Table 1
Table 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5

Parking Area Requirements ........................................................................ 4

Required Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces ................................. 8
Minimum Parking Layout Dimensions ...................................................... 11
Required Thickness of A/C and Subbase ............................................... 17
Parking Requirement for Clean Air Vehicles .......................................... 21

List of Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
Figure 11
Figure 12

Example Parking Locations by Use ............................................................ 5

Example of Accessible Parking Standards ............................................... 8
Reference Drawing for Minimum Parking Dimensions .......................... 11
Minimum Dimensions for Common Parking Lot Layouts....................... 12
Example of Parking Lot Angles and Dimensions .................................... 13
Example of Commercial Driveway Slope Gradients ............................ 15
Example Wheel Stop Dimensions ............................................................. 18
Walls and Fences ........................................................................................ 19
Landscaping Requirements for Parking Lots .......................................... 26
Low Impact Development Techniques in Parking Lot .......................... 28
Minimum Length for Residential Driveways ............................................ 31
Example of Residential Driveway Slope Gradients ............................... 32

Appendix
Appendix A:

Minimum Parking Layout Dimensions

Table of Contents

County of San Diego

I.

INTRODUCTION
The Parking Design Manual was prepared for property owners, architects,
engineers, developers, landscape architects and others that are involved with
use and the development of land in the unincorporated County of San Diego to
provide guidance on how to design parking areas that are in compliance with
the Countys regulations and procedures (Section 6750 et seq. of the County of
San Diego Zoning Ordinance, herein referred to as the Zoning Ordinance).
Review the propertys zoning regulations to determine if additional requirements
apply.

A.

Applicability

This Parking Design Manual implements Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance of
San Diego County:
The design, dimensions, construction, landscaping, and surfacing
of parking and bicycle spaces, driveways and other areas shall
conform to the County Parking Regulations. Additional guidance is
provided by the County Parking Design Manual.
Notwithstanding the provisions of this manual, parking area design may be
subject to the County of San Diego Consolidated Fire Code and responsible Fire
Authority regulations due to health and safety reasons.
Refer to the propertys zoning regulations to determine if additional requirements
apply.

B.

Purpose

The purpose of the Parking Design Manual is to provide guidance in the design
and development of parking areas which are safe, functional, low impact,
adequately landscaped, properly screened in design, and encourage
pedestrian and bicycle activity. Incorporating appropriate design elements into
parking design minimizes the impacts of a parking area on the environment.
Environmental impacts that may be affected by parking design include visual
aesthetics, excessive noise or lighting, stormwater runoff, and traffic impacts,
particularly when adjacent to residential areas. The intent of this manual is to
supplement the Zoning Ordinance with regard to the aspects of design of a
parking area. Parking regulations and parking ratios by land use are contained
in Sections 6750 through 6799 of the Zoning Ordinance. Fencing regulations are
found in Section 6700 through 6749 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Water
conservation and landscaping regulations are found in the County Code of
Regulatory Ordinances Section 86.701 et seq. which includes landscape design
guidelines and installation specifications.

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County of San Diego

II.

GENERAL PARKING PROVISIONS

The design of parking areas will vary based on the qualities and conditions of
each property. However, the overall goal for achieving well designed, low
impact, and adequately landscaped parking areas is consistent for all parking
areas. Below are the general parking provisions to guide the design of parking
areas within the County. Review of the propertys zoning regulations will
determine if additional requirements apply.

A.

Required Parking

Each land use shall provide at least the minimum number of parking spaces as
required by the Zoning Ordinance, except where a parking reduction has been
granted by the Director of Planning and Land Use or as approved with a building
or discretionary permit.

B.

Change or Increase in Use

When the occupancy or use of a property is changed, enlarged, expanded, or

intensified, adequate parking to meet the requirements of Section 6753 of the
Zoning Ordinance shall be provided for the new use or occupancy.

C.

Parking and Loading Spaces

Parking and loading spaces shall be marked, maintained, and permanently

available for the use they are intended to serve, per Section 6753 of the Zoning
Ordinance. Owners, lessees, tenants, or persons having control of the parking or
loading spaces cannot prevent, prohibit or restrict the utilization of parking and
loading spaces.
Loading spaces should be permanently reserved and maintained for the
temporary parking of commercial vehicles while loading or unloading
merchandise or materials. Loading and unloading activities should not obstruct
access to any parking space.
Required parking and loading areas shall be used exclusively for the parking and
loading of vehicles and not be used for the sale, lease, display, repair, or storage
of vehicles, trailers, boats, campers, mobile homes, merchandise or equipment
without a required permit, County approval, or where required by the Zoning
Ordinance.

D.

Exceptions

Exceptions to the requirements in this document may be allowed with County

approval through a variance or discretionary permit. Exceptions must be
supported by a finding that a safety hazard and/or site distance issue will not
affect the design of the parking area. The Director of Planning and Land Use
may administratively waive certain requirements or regulations, which are not
subject to a variance or discretionary permit.

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County of San Diego

III.

PARKING DESIGN
This section provides design strategies and requirements for parking plans,
parking spaces, driveways, aisle widths, parking areas, walls and fences, access,
circulation, pedestrian access, bicycle parking, surfacing, directional indicators,
lighting, stormwater treatment and landscaping.

A.

Parking Plan Requirements

Where required, parking plans submitted to the Department of Planning and

Land Use shall include the following, as a minimum, per Section 6790 of the
Zoning Ordinance:
1.

The number of parking spaces required for each land use

2.

The total number of parking spaces required and provided

3.

The number of accessible car spaces required and provided

4.

The number of bicycle parking spaces required and provided

5.

The percent of area devoted to landscaping

6.

For multi-family residential projects, the distribution and

proximity of parking spaces in relation to residential entrances

Additional information may be required by the Director as necessary to

determine compliance with parking regulations and this Design Manual.

B.

General Parking Guidelines

1.

Location

Per Section 6785 of the Zoning Ordinance, all required parking and bicycle
spaces shall be located on the same legal parcel with the primary use or
structure, or in a location conforming to a building permit or discretionary permit
approved by the Department of Planning and Land Use, unless the project
meets the collective parking provisions of Section 6788 or all of the following:
a.

There is a traversable pedestrian route, not more than 600 in length, over
and along public streets or walkways or permanently established
easements between the parking or bicycle spaces and the uses or
structures served; and

b.

The site is subject to the S86 Parking Regulations; or all persons owning an
interest in the site have executed and recorded an agreement not to
oppose a reclassification to the S86 Parking Use Regulations, and then
make application and pay the fees for this reclassification.

Sites located within the Fallbrook Village Zones must meet the Fallbrook Village
Parking Regulations, per Section 8000 et seq. of the Zoning Ordinance.

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County of San Diego

Required parking or loading facilities may not be placed within the public rightof-way.
Uncovered parking spaces shall be located outside the designated ultimate
right-of-way of any street per Section 4800 et seq. of the Zoning Ordinance and
as shown in Table 1. An illustration of parking area lot location requirements is
shown in Figure 1.

Table 1
Parking Area Requirements
Yards
Zone Use Regulation

Side
(Exterior)
Corner Lot

Rear

All Residential

Not Permitted

Permitted with
fence or wall1

Not
Permitted

Permitted

All Agricultural

Not Permitted

Permitted with
fence or wall1

Not
Permitted

Permitted

S-80 (Open Space)

S-81 (Ecological Resource)
S-88 (Specific Plan)
S-90 (Holding Area)
S-92 (General Rural)

Not Permitted

Permitted with
fence or wall1

Not
Permitted

Permitted

C-30 (Office-Professional)
C-31(Residential-OfficeProfessional)
C-46 (Medical Center)

Not Permitted

Permitted

Permitted

Permitted

Other Commercial

Permitted

Permitted

Permitted

Permitted

All Industrial

Permitted

Permitted

Permitted

Permitted

S-82 (Extractive Use)

S-86 (Parking)
S-94 (Transportation & Utility
Corridor)

Permitted

Permitted

Permitted

Permitted

Not Permitted

Permitted in the
rear half of the
lot only

Permitted in
the rear half
of the lot
only

Permitted
in the
rear half
of the lot

Fallbrook Village2 V1 V5

Front

Side
(Interior)

See Section III G: Walls and Fence

See Section 8000 et seq., Fallbrook Village Regulations, and Section 5761 c, Parking Requirements Within Special
Parking Districts, for special parking provisions applicable to Fallbrook Village, Zones V1 through V5.

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County of San Diego

Figure 1
Example Parking Locations by Use

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County of San Diego

2.

Setbacks

Some zones require parking to meet setbacks. Setback requirements for parking
areas are provided in Section 4810 of the Zoning Ordinance.

3.

Access

a.

Access to Public Street

Parking area layouts should be designed so that exiting vehicles do not back into
a public street (not applicable to single family units, duplexes, or triplexes).

b.

Public Right-of-Way and Easements

For any work in the public right-of-way or in any public easement, a right-of-way
Construction, Encroachment, Planting and/or Excavation Permit may be
required. Please note that the road right-of-way typically extends ten or more
feet past the road pavement surface. Contact the Department of Public Works
for assistance in obtaining right-of-way permits.

4.

Circulation

a. Size of Circulation Route

Size vehicle circulation routes according to use. Avoid using over-sized
driveways, drive aisles and turning radii.
b.

Coordination with Major Drive Aisles

Where circulation routes requires wider driveways and turning radii (i.e. fire
lanes), coordinate the location of these routes with major drive aisles.
c.

Continuous Circulation

Provide continuous circulation throughout the site. Avoid dead end driveways
and turn around spaces

5.

Sight Distance

a.

Intersections

Intersections of driveways onto public roads are required to meet the County
Public Road Standards and sight distance requirements. The County Public Road
Standards state that Sight Distance shall have priority over all other standards
and shall be achieved within the standard right-of-way. Consult with a design
professional (Civil Engineer, Licensed Land Surveyor, or Traffic Engineer) in order
to determine the best location and design of driveways with respect to sight
distance and the location of vegetation, fencing, and walls along or near
intersections of driveways onto both Public and Private Roads.

b.

Onsite Parking and Driveways

Ensure unobstructed motorist and pedestrian sight distance and provide clearly
marked crossings at all intersections between vehicle routes and pedestrian
pathways.

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County of San Diego

6.

Pedestrian Access

Direct and continuous pedestrian

networks within and adjacent to
parking lots should be provided to
connect
building
entrances,
parking spaces, public sidewalks,
transit stops and other pedestrian
destinations.
In larger parking lots or where
parking lots serve more than one
building or destination, provide
pedestrian pathways to direct safe
travel through the parking lot.
Where
feasible,
pedestrian
pathways
should
be Example of Pedestrian Pathway through Parking Lot
differentiated from the parking
area through the use of landscaping, sidewalks, pavement materials, striping, or
other design elements to alert motorists of pedestrian areas.
The width, number, and orientation of pedestrian routes should match the
anticipated flow of pedestrian traffic through the site. When planning the width
and location of pedestrian routes, consider the space requirements for
equipment related to parking lot use, such as shopping carts, strollers and
mobility aids.
In addition, an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible pedestrian path
of travel between the main building entrance and the public sidewalk shall be
provided per the California Code of Regulations (Title 24) of the California
Building Code (Chapter 11B) for Accessible Parking Standards.

7.

Accessible Parking Regulations

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

governs the construction and alteration of
public places, commercial facilities, and state
and
local
government
facilities
to
accommodate and provide adequate facilities
for persons with disabilities. Requirements are
covered under the California Code of
Regulations (Title 24) of the California Building
Code (Chapter 11B) for Accessible Parking
Standards. Key components of current (2012)
ADA parking standards are provided below.
Please refer to Figure 2 below for an example of
accessible parking standards.

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Accessible Parking

County of San Diego

a.

Required Accessible Parking

Accessible parking is required for all new

parking lots and in existing lots when
alterations, structural repairs, or additions
are made. Accessible parking spaces are
required to be on the shortest accessible
route of travel from parking to the building
entrance(s).

b.

Figure 2: Example of
Accessible Parking Standards

Number of Required Spaces

The number of required accessible parking

spaces for each lot is dependent on the
total number of parking spaces provided.
The first accessible parking space must be
a van accessible space with an access
aisle. Table 2 below shows the number of
spaces currently required by Title 24. Title
24 regulations should be reviewed for any
change in the number of required spaces.

c.

Size of Space

The minimum size of an accessible parking

space shall be 9 wide by 18 in length. A
5 wide marked No Parking loading area
shall be provided adjacent to all accessible parking spaces. An adjacent space
may share a loading area. When only one accessible parking space is required,
the location of the loading space shall be on the passenger side.
One in every eight accessible spaces, but not less than one, shall be served by a
van accessible space with a loading area of at least 8 wide.
Table 2
Required Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces
Total Number of Parking Spaces
1-25
26-50
51-75
76-100
101-150
151-200
201-300
301-400
401-500
501-1000
1001 and over

Required Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
2 percent of the total (rounded to a whole
number)
20 plus 1 for each 100 over 1000

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County of San Diego

d.

Parking Space Location

Accessible parking spaces and access aisles shall be located:

e.

Along the shortest accessible route of travel between the parking space
and primary accessible entrance with a minimum 4 wide sidewalk.
Where the slope of finished grade in any direction does not exceed
(or 2 percent) per foot.
Where persons with disabilities are not required to pass behind a parked
vehicle other than their own and are not required to cross a driveway,
where possible. This requirement may be waived when compliance to
regulate creates an unreasonable hardship.

Miscellaneous Requirements

Ramps to accessible walks and paths shall not encroach into parking
areas except ramps at the interior end of a parking space, which may
encroach into the loading area provided it does not impede a person
with disabilities to access their vehicle.
Curbs and or wheel stops shall be installed to prevent vehicles from
projecting over the sidewalks and pathways.
Garages or parking areas shall maintain a minimum vertical clearance of
8-2 for access to all accessible parking spaces. This requirement may
be waived by the Director when compliance to regulate creates an
unreasonable hardship.

C.

Parking Standards

1.

Parking Space Dimensions

Each required parking space shall be at least 9 wide by 18 long, with adequate
provisions for ingress and egress by a standard full size passenger vehicle, per
Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance. Parking spaces in parking lots shall comply
with the minimum dimension requirements in Table 3 and as illustrated in Figure 3
Minimum parking dimensions for common parking layouts are illustrated in Figure
4. An illustrated example of parking lot angles and dimensions is provided in
Figure 5. Minimum parking dimensions for additional parking configurations are
provided in Table A-1 in Appendix A.

a. Overhang, Abutments, and Adjacent Objects

Per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance:

The length of the parking space and use of wheel stops shall be
implemented in a manner that assures vehicle overhang will avoid
contact with abutting objects such as landscaping, irrigation, or
walls and vehicle intrusion on walkways.

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County of San Diego

b.

The width of a parking space shall be increased by 2-0 when

adjacent to fences, walls, or planters.
All driveways and curb openings shall be a minimum of 3 from any
obstruction, i.e. poles, hydrants, buildings, walls, and fences.

Loading Spaces

Loading spaces shall be a minimum of 10 wide by 35 long per Section 6786 of

the Zoning Ordinance.

2.

Parking Aisles

a.

One-Way and Two-Way Traffic Aisles

Per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance:

One-way access driveways leading to aisles within a parking area

shall be a minimum of 12.
Two-way aisles and access driveways leading to aisles within a
parking area shall be a minimum of 24.

Minimum aisle widths for one-way drive aisles within a parking area are shown in
Table 2.

b.

Fire Access Aisles

Designated fire access aisles must comply with the Countys Consolidated Fire
Code and/or the Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction. Minimum unobstructed fire
access width is 24. Inside turning radius minimum is 28. Vertical clearance
minimum is 13-6. The Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction may require greater
dimensions. For more information regarding Fire Code standards, contact the
San Diego County Fire Authority.

c.

Truck Aisles

Access aisles for multiple-axle trucks in commercial and industrial projects shall
be a minimum width of 40 for projects with a gross floor area of 10,000 square
feet or greater or where the design of the project includes a loading dock, per
Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance. Truck movement templates (i.e. turning
radii elements including wheel paths, which define the needed width of
pavement edge that must be clear from obstructions above curb height) shall
be included on the site plan to indicate turning conditions per Section 6792 of
the Zoning Ordinance.

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County of San Diego

Table 3
Minimum Parking Layout Dimensions
Parking Angle
Figure 3
Label
A
B
C
D
E
F
G

not shown
in Figure 3

I
1
2

Design Component
Stall Width
Stall Length
Stall Width Parallel to Aisle
Stall Depth to Curb or Wall
Stall Depth to Interlock
One-Way
Aisle Width2
Two-Way
One-Way Aisle
Module
Width
Wall/Curb to
Two-Way Aisle
Interlock
Module
One-Way Aisle
Width
Interlock to
Two-Way Aisle
Interlock
Module
One-Way Aisle
Width
Wall/Curb to
Two-Way Aisle
Wall/Curb
Cross Aisle
One-Way
Width2
Two-Way

0
(Parallel)
9'(8')1
22'
N/A
N/A
N/A
13'
24'
N/A

30
9'
18'
18'-0"
16'-10"
12'-11"
14'
22'
43'-9"

45
9'
18'
12'-9"
19'-1"
15'-11"
16'
24'
51'-0"

60
9'
18'
10'-5"
20'-1"
17'-10"
19'
24'
46'-11"

90
9'
18'
9'-0"
18'-0"
18'-0"
N/A
26'
N/A

N/A

51'-9"

59'-0"

61'-11"

62'-0"

N/A

39'-10"

47'-10"

54'-8"

N/A

N/A

47'-10"

55'-10"

59'-8"

62'-0"

31'-0"

47'-8"

54'-2"

59'-2"

N/A

42'-0"

55'-8"

62'-2"

64'-2"

62'-0"

15'
22'

15'
22'

15'
22'

15'
22'

15'
22'

8 width applies to on-street parking stalls

The Director may require greater aisle width due to emergency San Diego County Fire Authority equipment access needs. Aisles less
than 24 shall not be designated as Fire Access.
N/A Not Applicable

Figure 3
Reference Drawing for Minimum Parking Dimensions

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County of San Diego

Figure 4
Minimum Dimensions for Common Parking Lot Layouts

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County of San Diego

Figure 5
Example of Parking Lot Angles and Dimensions

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County of San Diego

d.

Drive-Through Aisles

All projects which feature drive-through facilities (bank, pharmacy, fast-food,

etc.) shall provide a drive-through aisle capable of a reasonable queuing of
vehicles without impeding the circulation of traffic within the parking area or
abutting driveway or street travel way. Drive-through aisles should not cross
pedestrian pathways and be clearly designated with striping and/or signage.
See the Zoning Ordinance for specifications.

3.

Access Driveways

The construction, repair, and maintenance of all driveways, curbs and gutters,
and sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner, developer, or tenant.
The responsibility includes the entire area of driveway from the edge of the
existing pavement of traveled way to the property line and all culverts or other
structures necessary for property drainage control.
A residential driveway is any driveway serving property used solely as a private
single, duplex, or triplex residential dwelling unit, including farms or ranches not
used as retail outlets. All other driveways are considered commercial driveways.
For specifications on residential driveways, see Section III D.
All residential and commercial driveways designated as a fire access road shall
comply with the Countys Consolidated Fire Code.
To minimize interference with the flow of traffic and provide optimum access,
driveway design should also consider:

line of sight,

offset to adjacent and opposing driveways, and

proximity to nearby intersections.

Parking facilities should be designed to minimize the number of driveways to

private property from streets and highways.
Not more than 40% of property frontage on residential lots and 60% of property
frontage on non-residential or multi-family residential lots may be allocated for
driveway curb openings, except for lots with frontage of 50 or less, which are
entitled to one 16 driveway with a 22 curb opening.
Refer to the County of San Diego Public Road Standards and Standards for
Private Roads for additional information.

4.

Slope / Grade

a.

Driveway Slope/Grade

Commercial and multi-family residential driveways serving parking lots with 5 or

more spaces should not exceed 15 percent grade. The Fire Authority Having
Jurisdiction may allow driveway grades up to 20 percent with mitigation. Crown
or cross-slopes of driveways shall be 2 percent except the minimum cross-slope

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County of San Diego

may be 1 percent and the maximum cross-slope may be 5 percent where

physical conditions do not warrant 2 percent. The angle of departure and angle
of approach of driveways shall not exceed 12 percent.
Driveway grades should conform to the roadway cross-slope within the traveled
way and parking lanes of the ultimate section of the roadway. Within the rightof-way, driveway grades should conform to sidewalk grades, if sidewalks are
provided.
See Figure 6 for typical commercial and multi-family residential
driveway profiles.
Where driveways cross existing roadside ditches, a dip section providing an
unobstructed waterway equivalent to the full area of the ditch may be used if
grades are feasible. Where grades make use of a dip section infeasible, a
culvert pipe should be installed. The size of the culvert pipe and design of the
driveway culvert shall be reviewed for adequacy by the Department of Public
Works.

Figure 6
Example of Commercial Driveway Slope Gradients

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County of San Diego

b.

Parking Lot Slope/Grade

Parking lot grades should be limited to a minimum grade of 1 percent slope and
a maximum grade of 6 percent slope to ensure proper drainage.

5.

Parking Details

a.

Surfacing

Per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance, except for zones subject to the
Agricultural Use Regulations, all parking spaces, loading spaces, and driveways
shall be hard surfaced with durable asphalt concrete or Portland Cement
Concrete surfacing on a suitably prepared base. Parking spaces and driveways
accessory to single-family and duplex dwellings need not be surfaced with a
more durable type of surfacing than that which exists on the access street.
Driveways and aisles designated for fire access must be capable of supporting
fire apparatus (minimum 50,000 pounds) unless a greater minimum is required by
the Fire Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Table 4 summarizes the required paving thickness of A/C and base according to
soil classification, and shall be used unless a suitable alternative pavement
design by a registered civil engineer is submitted and approved by the Director.
Soil classifications are as established based on the R-value, or resistance value,
which identifies the strength of soil from vertically applied pressure. R-value is a
factor used in pavement design in the San Diego Regional Standard Drawings to
determine the necessary thickness of paving required. Soil classifications
identified in Table 4 are established as follows:
Good to Excellent Subbase: soil with an R-value of 40 or greater.
Medium Subbase: soil with an R-value of 20 to 39
Poor Subbase: soil with an R-value less than 20
Where permeable surfacing alternatives are desired or required to protect
surface water quality and/or implement Low Impact Development practices, an
alternative design which demonstrates adequate material strength, satisfaction
of local and regional standards, and community character preferences may be
approved by the Director. Structural equivalence should be demonstrated
based upon published criteria by Caltrans or AASHTO.
Within the desert areas of the North Mountain, Mountain Empire, and Desert
Subregional Plan areas, 4 of decomposed granite or suitable alternate material
may be approved by the Director in lieu of more durable paving on residential
driveways.

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County of San Diego

Table 4
Required Thickness of A/C and Subbase
Residential
Parking
( 4 spaces)

Existing Soil Classifications

Multi-Family
Commercial
Frontage
Parking

Commercial Truck
Loading and
Parking

GOOD TO EXCELLENT BASE

Decomposed granite, well
graded sands and gravels
which retain load supporting
capacity when wet

2 A/C on
existing soil

3 A/C on
existing soil

3 A/C on 5
aggregate base or
4 A/C on
aggregate base or
5 A/C on existing
soil

MEDIUM BASE
Silty sands and sand gravels
containing moderate
amounts of clay and fine silt.
Retains moderate amount of
firmness under adverse
moisture conditions

2 A/C on 6
of
decomposed
granite base
or 3 A/C on
3 aggregate
base or 4 on
existing soil

3 A/C on 5
aggregate
base or 4
A/C on 3
aggregate
base or 5 on
existing soil

3 A/C on 7
aggregate base or
4 A/C on 5.5
aggregate base or
6 A/C on existing
soil

POOR BASE
Soils having appreciable
amounts of clay and fine silt.
Soils become quite soft and
plastic when wet

3 A/C on
5.5
aggregate
base or 5
A/C on
existing soil

3 A/C on 8
aggregate
base or 4
A/C on 5.5
aggregate
base or 6
A/C on
existing soil

3 A/C on 12
aggregate base or
4 A/C on 10.5
aggregate base or
8 A/C on existing
soil

b.

Wheel Stops / Curbs

Per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance:

If a wheel stop is used, the length shall be 4 to 6 long and 4 high.

If a wheel stop with overhang area is installed in parking space, the
distance from the front end of the space to the rear of the wheel
stop shall be 3. It shall be placed so as to avoid bumper overhang
beyond the designated parking space and to avoid creating a
safety hazard for pedestrians.

Figure 7 illustrates typical wheel stop dimensions.

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County of San Diego

Figure 7
Example Wheel Stop Dimensions

Vehicular bumper overhang is prohibited in all areas where the parking stall is
adjacent to a pedestrian walkway of less than 7 in width, planter beds (unless
the first 3 from curb is low volume or subsurface irrigation, or is a non-irrigated
material), a fence or wall, or a building or structure.

c.

Striping

All parking spaces shall be delineated by striping consisting of 4 wide painted

white lines, per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance.

d.

Walls and Fences

All parking areas of 5 or more parking spaces (and driveways serving such
parking areas) located on parcels abutting property in any residential zone shall
be separated by a properly maintained solid fence or wall 6 in height, per
Section 6706 of the Zoning Ordinance and as illustrated in Figure 8. Where the
fence or wall abuts a front yard on adjacent property, the height of a fence or
wall is limited to 42. See Access and Sight Distance Sections of this Manual.

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County of San Diego

Figure 8
Walls and Fences

e.

Directional Indicators

Each parking area with more than one row of parking spaces should have
directional signs or surface painted directional markers to guide traffic.

f.

Bicycle Parking

Newly constructed non-residential uses shall provide bicycle parking in

accordance with the 2010 California Green Building Standards Code Sections
5.106.4.1 and 5.106.4.2. The 2010 California Green Building Standards Code
provides standards for the provision of both short-term bicycle parking for visitors
and long-term bicycle parking for building tenant-occupants.
Bicycle spaces should be:

Clearly designated for bicycle parking.

Separated from motor vehicle parking areas and driveways by a
barrier, such as a curb, rail, or bollard, or be located in a manner
which will minimize the possibility of vehicles striking parked
bicycles.

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County of San Diego

Bicycle parking spaces should be located:

No farther than 100 feet from the visitors entrance and be readily
visible.
As close and conveniently accessible to the use or building
entrances as is the closest vehicle space, with the exception of
accessible parking spaces.
As close to the building entrances as is practical while maintaining
a minimum bicycle access aisle of 5 feet and without interfering
with pedestrian access.
At ground level.

One bicycle parking space shall consist of a floor area at least 2 wide and 6
long, served by an aisle at least 5 wide for bicycle spaces which are not divided
into individual lockers or racks, per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Bicycle racks should be so designed and constructed that a bicycle can be
securely locked with a user-supplied padlock. Racks shall provide a space at
least 2 in width for each bicycle, per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Enclosed bicycle spaces may be used in lieu of open bicycle spaces. Structures
or lockers containing enclosed bicycle spaces should be designed and
constructed so that such structures or bicycles within them cannot be easily
removed.

g.

Compact Vehicle Parking

Compact vehicle spaces are only allowed to be used as surplus parking and
cannot be used to satisfy the minimum parking requirement per the Zoning
Ordinance. Compact spaces should be no less than 8 wide and 16 long.
Compact spaces should be restricted for use by compact vehicles and
identified with pavement stenciling and/or signage. Compact spaces should be
located furthest from the building entrances to discourage use by non-compact
vehicles.

h.

Tandem Parking

Tandem parking represents a parking configuration where one vehicle parks

directly behind another and the vehicle in back must be moved in order for the
front vehicle to leave. Tandem parking shall be limited to a maximum of two
cars in depth and no less than 9 wide and 36 long, per Section 6792 of the
Zoning Ordinance. When determining access aisle widths for tandem parking,
the aisle widths for standard stalls should be used. Accessible parking spaces
should not be used in a tandem configuration.
Tandem parking stalls are only allowed for:

Residential single family, duplex, and townhome uses.

Multi-family residential uses subject to the following conditions:

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County of San Diego

i.

The tandem spaces should be reserved for and assigned to

dwelling units which are required to have two or more
parking spaces.

Tandem spaces shall not be used for guest parking.

Commercial uses Tandem spaces should not be allowed for new

commercial construction. Tandem spaces may only be allowed for
existing commercial buildings or existing buildings that are
undergoing a change of use and are subject to the following
conditions:
o

Tandem spaces should be reserved for use by employees

and should be designated for employee parking through
the use of signage or pavement marking.

At least 50 percent of the required spaces should be

unassigned standard (non-tandem) spaces that are
available for the use of visitors.

Clean Air Vehicle Parking

In accordance with the 2010 California Green Building Standards Code, newly
constructed non-residential uses shall provide designated parking for any
combination of low-emitting, fuel efficient and carpool/van pool vehicles, per
Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance, and as follows:

Table 5
Parking Requirement for Clean Air Vehicles
Total Number of
Parking Spaces
0-9
10-25
26-50
51-75
76-100
101-150
151-200
201 and over

Required Clean Air

Vehicle Spaces
0
1
3
6
8
11
16
At least 8 percent of total

The designated parking spaces shall be identified with the words CLEAN AIR
VEHICLE. The words should be painted in white paint and the lower edge of the
word VEHICLE should be aligned with the end of the stall striping to be visible
beneath a parked vehicle. Parking spaces provided for clean air vehicle will be
credited towards the minimum parking requirement per the Zoning Ordinance.

j.

Oversized Vehicle Parking

Oversized vehicle parking in commercial areas (for any vehicle longer than 20)
may be provided at the owners discretion. If provided in meeting the parking

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County of San Diego

requirement, the oversized vehicle parking spaces should not be restricted. If

provided in addition to the number of required parking spaces, the spaces may
be restricted specifically for oversized vehicles with signage and/or surface paint.
The design of oversized vehicle parking within a parking lot should consider the
provision of adequate ingress/egress and circulation for the oversized vehicles
through the parking lot.

k.

Tractor Trailer Parking

Where uses propose tractor trailer parking, tractor trailer parking spaces are
recommended to be a minimum of 12 wide by 50 long.

l.

Identification of Spaces

All Accessible, Compact, and Loading spaces should be identified by symbols or

lettering on signs or with surface paint.

6.

Lighting

Adequate lighting shall be provided in all parking areas used by the public for
safe pedestrian and vehicular movement, per Section 6792 of the Zoning
Ordinance.

a.

Lighting Plan

A Lighting Plan for the parking lot site shall be provided for all parking lots with 5
or more spaces, per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance. Lighting should
clearly identify the parking lot, entrances and exits to adjacent streets, and
enhance the pedestrian environment. Lighting Plans should be appropriate to
the location, context and scale of the areas being lit.

b.

Lighting Level

Required lighting levels for parking areas are stated in the County of San Diego
Division 9 Light Pollution Code.

c.

Minimize Light Reflection to Adjoining Uses

All lights provided to illuminate any loading space or parking area shall be
designed and adjusted to reflect light away from any public road, street, and
any adjoining land zoned for non-business or non-industrial uses, per Section 6324
of the Zoning Ordinance.

d.

Appearance

The appearance and scale of luminaries should be coordinated with pedestrian

walkways, parking spaces, building and site entrances, and other parking lot
features.

e.

Balance Safety and Energy Consumption

Balance safety and security with the reduction of energy consumption and light
pollution through the following measures:

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County of San Diego

7.

Ensure all parking spaces and circulation routes are well lit.
Install lighting that is appropriately scaled to its purpose, i.e. avoid
over lighting.
Direct light downward and avoid light overspill on adjacent
properties, streets and open spaces.
Use energy efficient fixtures and bulbs.
Incorporate opportunities for off-grid power generation, e.g. solar,
wind, etc.

Landscaping

Landscaping in and around parking areas improves visual aesthetics, reduces

soil erosion and carbon dioxide emissions, and provides shade while minimizing
the heat island effect that results from asphalt and/or large building block
surfaces such as parking lots. Therefore, adequate and properly maintained
landscaping is a significant component to parking lot design.
Refer to the County of San Diego Water Conservation in Landscaping
Ordinance and the Water Efficient Landscape Design Manual for current
information regarding irrigation requirements. Irrigation requirements are
provided in Section 86.709 of the Water Conservation in Landscaping
Ordinance and Section E of the Landscape Design Manual.

a.

General Requirements

In parking areas with 5 or more parking spaces, a minimum of 14

square feet of landscape shall be provided per parking space, per
Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance. Landscaping may be
provided in parking lot planters and/or for perimeter screening. Per
Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance, parking lot landscaping shall
be provided in addition to other landscaping requirements in the
right-of-way or setback areas by the M50 and M52 Use Regulations,
in some community design
guidelines, by any other
Ordinances or as a condition
of a discretionary application
approval.
Every parking space should be
within 30 feet of the trunk or
base of a tree to allow the tree
canopy to provide heat relief
and for screening purposes.
Whenever possible, perimeter
planters
are
encouraged
along the edge of the parking
area/driveway(s)
and

Page 23

Example of Perimeter Planting

County of San Diego

between the building and the parking area. Perimeter planting

brings relief from continuous areas of paving and screens parked
cars from view of surrounding properties. In a large parking area,
planters aid in the flow of automotive and pedestrian traffic by
improving visibility and help filter storm water runoff.
Fire
requirements for canopy separation may be applicable as
directed by the local fire district or the projects fire protection
plan.

A minimum of one 24 boxed tree per 5 parking spaces (rounded

to the nearest whole number) is required for a parking area.
Planter strips with shrubs shall have a minimum unpaved width of 2,
per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance. Planter strips with trees
shall have a minimum unpaved width of 5. Where feasible, the
surface of the planter strips should be concave to help channel
stormwater runoff.
High shrubs or small trees may be used for perimeter planting,
except at driveway entrances where plant material shall be
positioned to avoid obstructing motorist views and be sensitive to
sight distance requirements.
Trees along designated fire access roads/driveways/aisles shall
provide a minimum 13-6 vertical clearance for the full fire access
width.
High canopy trees, low shrubs or ground cover are preferred so as
to allow optimum traffic visibility.
Landscape islands located at the end of parking aisles shall be a
minimum of 2 shorter than the parking stall length to prevent
wheels from running into the curb when turning in or backing out of
a space.
Please refer to Access and Sight Distance Sections of this
Manual.

Figure 9 illustrates the key landscaping requirements.

b.

Recommended Practices

The following are recommended practices that are encouraged to be

implemented to the extent feasible.

Install drought tolerant landscaping with low water and

maintenance requirements
Install native plants
Group plants together according to water, sun/shade, and soil
requirements
Minimize lawn areas as they are the most water intensive

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County of San Diego

Install efficient irrigation systems

Preserve and develop existing tree canopies, soils, and native
vegetation
Install landscaping in parking lots and walkways to reduce the heat
island effect
Minimize urban light pollution to maintain dark skies in rural County
areas
In parking lots, avoid trees that drip sap or drop large quantities of
fruit, flowers, seed pods or leaves
Avoid trees that shed large leaves that do not biodegrade quickly

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County of San Diego

Figure 9
Landscaping Requirements for Parking Lots

Page 26

County of San Diego

8.

Stormwater Runoff Treatment

Stormwater runoff treatment for water quality and hydromodification flowcontrol may be required for a parking lot development. Water quality treatment
of stormwater has become increasingly important in reducing the pollution to
local water sources and maintaining water quality. Hydromodification flowcontrol is necessary to minimize a projects impact on receiving waters in terms of
erosion, sedimentation, and degradation of in-stream habitat. Since parking is
usually accommodated on an asphalt or concrete surface with conventional
underground storm drain systems, parking areas typically generate large,
connected impervious areas which make them a significant contributor to water
quality degradation. Several strategies can be implemented to minimize and/or
mitigate impacts to the water systems, including reducing impervious surfaces,
using permeable materials in overflow parking areas and bioretention basins in
parking lot islands, and perimeter landscaping.
Low-impact development (LID) is an approach to managing stormwater runoff
by emphasizing conservation and the use of natural features to protect water
quality. By implementing LID practices on a site, it is possible to minimize
pollutants leaving the site and also mitigating potential hydromodification
impacts to receiving waters. LID practices for individual sites should consider the
sites land use, hydrology, soil type, climate, and rainfall patterns. Many types of
LID approaches are practical for both new construction and renovation or
retrofit projects. Figure 10 illustrates examples of LID techniques that may be
implemented in a parking lot. The design of LID facilities for water quality and
flow control need to be coordinated at the earliest stages of design, due to the
pitch of the parking lot and design and size of the LID facilities. Typical LID
practices are summarized below. Projects are required to incorporate LID
practices and strategies to the extent feasible.
For more information on sizing LID facilities for water quality and flow-control,
please reference the County of San Diegos Standard Urban Mitigation Plan
(SUSMP).

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County of San Diego

Figure 10
Low Impact Development Techniques in Parking Lot

Page 28

County of San Diego

a.

Bioretention

Bioretention is the process of removing pollutants from stormwater runoff by

collecting and treating stormwater in a treatment area, often consisting of a
grass buffer, soil mix, gravel drainage layer, ponding area, underdrain, and
plants. A bioretention facility can be designed for water quality and flow control.
Bioretention areas can be configured in nearly any shape.

b.

Permeable Pavement

Permeable pavement is a special type of paving material with high porosity that
allows water to pass directly through, which reduces the runoff from a site.
Applications may include sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and other large
surfaces. Runoff that percolates through the surface of the pervious concrete is
typically stored in a rock or gravel reservoir below the surface of the concrete.

Example of Permeable Pavers

c.

Vegetated Swales

Vegetated swales are landscape elements designed to filter surface water

runoff before entering the storm drain system. A vegetated swale consists of a
drainage channel filled with vegetation or compost materials. Vegetated
swales may be applied in parking lots to treat runoff before releasing it to the
watershed or storm drain. Vegetated swales should only be designed for water
quality. If designed for flow control, it would need to be designed as a linear
bioretention swale.

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County of San Diego

Example of a Vegetated Swale

d.

Recommended Practices

The following are recommended practices that are encouraged to minimize

stormwater runoff from parking areas.

Preserve natural infiltration capacity

Preserve existing draining patterns

Protect existing vegetation and sensitive areas

Minimize or disconnect impervious areas through the use of

infiltration Best Management Practices (BMPs), capture/reuse BMPs,
or filtration BMPs

Minimize construction footprint

Minimize unnecessary compaction

Minimize removal of native vegetation and trees

Re-vegetate disturbed areas

Apply landscaping techniques to increase infiltration and decrease

runoff

Keep gutters and drains clean of leaves and debris

Use slow-watering techniques where feasible

Prevent over-watering landscaping

Pitch paved areas into landscaping and LID areas

D.

Residential Parking for Detached Single Family,

Duplexes, and Triplexes

1.

Driveways

A residential driveway shall have a minimum length of 20 between the garage

door and public right-of-way, per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance.

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County of San Diego

Reduced setbacks may be permitted for private roads pursuant to project

approval provided it can be shown that the reduced driveway length does not
interfere with a sidewalk or other designated pathway. Figure 11 illustrates the
minimum length for residential driveways.
Refer to Access and Sight
Distance Sections of this Manual.

Figure 11
Minimum Length for Residential Driveways

For multi-family and dense single family developments, it is recommended that

parking be distributed throughout the development to discourage residents or
guests from illegally parking in a fire access area.
Residential driveways should not exceed a grade of 25 percent. The Director
may approve steeper driveways where topographic conditions make it
infeasible to comply with the 25 percent limit.
Driveways with a grade greater than 15 percent shall be hard-surfaced and
have a deep broom finish perpendicular to the direction of travel, per Section
6792 of the Zoning Ordinance. Driveways which serve as required fire apparatus
access roads should not exceed a grade of 15 percent. The Fire Authority
Having Jurisdiction may allow driveway grades up to 20 percent with mitigation.
Crown or cross-slopes of driveways shall be 2 percent except the minimum crossslope may be 1 percent and the maximum cross-slope may be 5 percent where
physical conditions do not warrant 2 percent. The angle of departure and angle
of approach of driveways shall not exceed 12 percent. See Figure 12 for typical
residential driveway profiles.

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County of San Diego

Where driveways cross existing roadside ditches, a dip section providing an

unobstructed waterway equivalent to the full area of the ditch may be used if
grades are feasible.
Per Section 6792 of the Zoning Ordinance:

Where grades make use of a dip section infeasible, a culvert pipe

shall be installed.
The size of the culvert pipe and design of the driveway culvert shall
be reviewed for adequacy by the Department of Public Works.
Figure 12
Example of Residential Driveway Slope Gradients

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County of San Diego

2.

Garages

For all enclosed residential garages, a minimum parking space size 10 wide by
20 long is required for parking spaces where the length of the space is next to a
wall and 9 wide by 20 long for any additional spaces. The space(s) should be
kept free from obstruction (i.e. water heater, laundry equipment, etc.).

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County of San Diego

IV.

PARKING ALTERNATIVES
A.

Shared Parking Reduction

Where two or more adjacent nonresidential uses have distinct and differing peak
parking usage periods, (e.g. a theater and a bank), a reduction in the required
number of parking spaces may be approved by the decision-making authority
based on the findings and recommendations of a qualified parking or traffic
consultant. The maximum reduction may be up to the number of parking spaces
required for the least intensive use. Refer to Section 6750 et seq. of the Zoning
Ordinance for more information.

B.

Surplus Parking

Parking spaces provided in addition to the minimum required, per Section 6758
of the San Diego County Zoning Ordinance, may be designed for standard,
oversized, or compact vehicle use.

Page 34

County of San Diego

APPENDIX

County of San Diego

APPENDIX A:
MINIMUM PARKING LAYOUT DIMENSIONS
Figure 3
Reference
ID

Parking Angle (Degrees)

Design Component

0
(Parallel)

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

90

Stall Width

9' (8'*)

9'

9'

9'

9'

9'

9'

9'

9'

9'

9'

9'

Stall Length

22'

18'

18'

18'

18'

18'

18'

18'

18'

18'

18'

18'

Stall Width Parallel to Aisle

NA

18'-0"

15'-8"

14'-0"

12'-9"

11'-9"

10'-10"

10'-5"

9'-11"

9'-9"

9'-4"

9'-0"

Stall Depth to Curb or Wall

NA

16'-10"

17'-8"

18'-6"

19'-1"

19'-7"

19'-11"

20'-1"

20'-1"

20'-0"

19'-9"

18'-0"

Stall Depth to Interlock

NA

12'-11"

14'-0"

15'-1"

15'-11"

16'-8"

17'-4"

17'-10"

18'-2"

18'-6"

18'-7"

18'-0"

Aisle Width (1):

One-Way

13'

14'

14'

15'

16'

17'

18'

19'

19'

19'

19'

NA

24'

22'

22'

23'

24'

24'

24'

24'

24'

26'

26'

26'

Module Width Wall/Curb to

Interlock:

Two Way
One-Way
Aisle

NA

43'-9"

45'-8"

48-7"

51'-0"

53'-3"

55'-3"

46'-11"

57'-3"

57'-6"

57'-4"

NA

Two-Way Aisle
One-Way
Aisle

NA

51'-9"

53'-8"

56'-7"

59'-0"

60'-3"

61'-3"

61'-11"

62'-3"

64'-6"

64'-4"

62'-0"

NA

39'-10"

42'-10"

45'-2"

47'-10"

50'-4"

52'-8"

54'-8"

55'-4"

56'-0"

56'-2"

NA

Two-Way Aisle
One-Way
Aisle

NA

47'-10"

50'-0"

53'-2"

55'-10"

57'-4"

58'-8"

59'-8"

60-4"

63'-0"

63'-2"

62'-0"

31'-0"

47'-8"

49'-4"

52'-0"

54'-2"

56'-2"

57'-10"

59'-2"

59'-2"

59'-0"

58'-6"

NA

Two-Way Aisle

42'-0"

55'-8"

57'-4"

60'-0"

62'-2"

63'-2"

63'-10"

64'-2"

64'-2"

66'-0"

65'-6"

62'-0"

One-Way

15'

15'

15'

15'

15'

15'

15'

15'

15'

15'

15'

15'

Two Way

22'

22'

22'

22'

22'

22'

22'

22'

22'

22'

22'

22'

Module Width Interlock to

Interlock:
Module Width Wall/Curb to
Wall/Curb:
Cross Aisle Width
(1):

County of San Diego